Why Patriots’ DeMario Douglas Will Lead AFC East In Catches

The New England Patriots kick off their new era under head coach Jerod Mayo against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon. While the Patriots aren't necessarily in a better spot than they were a year ago, NESN.com's Sean McGuire provided a pretty bold prediction when he joined George Balekji on "Foxboro Rush" on Wednesday.

"I'm going to start with the boldest of the three (predictions) from my vantage point -- DeMario Douglas leads AFC East receivers in catches," McGuire told Balekji. "... The one that makes this bold is Tyreek Hill, and we're talking about DeMario Douglas. He's going into his second year. He caught 49 balls last year, 561 yards, didn't catch a touchdown."

McGuire acknowledges that Hill had 119 catches for the Miami Dolphins last season, and Garrett Wilson hauled in 95 balls for the New York Jets but his reason for Douglas leading the division was pretty simple.

"I think DeMario Douglas's role in the offense is going to be so significant," McGuire said. "He's going to see a lot there. Eighty-five, 90 catches, and 60 of them may be three-yard slants."

To hear more Patriots bold predictions from McGuire and Balekji, check out "Foxboro Rush" on YouTube or Spotify.